Puerto Rico has been in economic crisis along the last 10 years and more than 10% of the inhabitants have left the island in this period because of unemployment rate and unemployment rate has been still in the 13-15% range in the last year. In an attempt to re-launch the economy, the previous Government led by Fortuño has promulgated Act 20 and Act 22 at the beginning of 2012 and the current Government led by Padilla is actively promoting these two Acts with the goal of re-launching the local economythrough fiscal incentives to companies and individuals.

While Act 22 is mainly of interest for private equity and hedge fund managers and requires to be resident of the island to take advantage of the fiscal benefit on capital gains, dividend distribution and passive interests, Act 20 does not have any requirement for the owner of the company to reside in Puerto Rico. Act 20 allows a 4% tax rate on income (instead of an up to 39.6% federal income tax rate in the US plus the state tax) through the request of a Exemption Decree (a contract not subject to subsequent legislative changes) to the Secretary of Economic Development that may take 4-6 months to get and last for 20 years, renewable for other 10 years.

The key requirement is that the services must be performed for individuals and entities located outside of Puerto Rico and have no nexus with Puerto Rico. The eligible services are: research and development, advertising and public relations, consulting, advise on trade and business, engineering services and project management, professional services (legal, tax, accounting), centralized management services, electronic data processing, software development, telecom voice and data, call centers, shared service centers, storage and distribution centers, educational and training, hospital and laboratories, investment and financial services.

Italy has put into effect law number 186/2014 which deals with the Voluntary Disclosure of assets abroad with the possibility of reduced fines. The law follows the normative of FATCA and it will elevate the risk of verification of information exchanged between Italy and the United States.

It is a very complex procedure, whose term will expire September 30^th, 2015. The people that it will effect are individuals who have financial assets in the United States, might it be through corporations or real estate, and have not disclosed their assets according to the RW model. The amount due will be determined by the length of time that the assets have been established, if assets were established more than five years ago and never declared, the cost of the Voluntary Disclosure is between 10% and 20% of the investment.

HOW IT WORKS

The taxpayer has to turn over to its accountant all documentation relevant to the purchase and management of the activity abroad. From such documentation, the accountant has to determine the appropriate tax levy’s and reduced sanctions that can be imposed. At which point, the documentation is turned over to the Italian Internal Revenue Service that determines whether to accept the application, if so, the procedure is finalized.

JURIDICAL REPATRIATION VIA TRUSTEE

It is possible to regulate the activities held abroad via the use of an Italian corporation as a trustee by allowing the corporation to maintain the ownership and omitting such information from one’s personal tax returns. This technique, has shown a positive outcome on an individual’s privacy and on the future management of the regulated assets.

WARNINGS

Only well informed and prepared professionals can correctly file and apply for Voluntary Disclosure. Individuals who intend to initiate the procedure must be prepared to bear a significant cost for the indispensable assistance of a professional.

By Andrea Alberghini and  Carolina Spera

In true Italian style, Segafredo set to open a new, largest location at Shops at Pembroke Gardens with a Grand Opening Celebration to be held on Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 6:30 – 10:00pm. A ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Frank C. Ortis, the Miramar.

Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast will take place at 7:00pm on the red carpet amongst the latest Ducati Motorcycles.

Once the ribbon is cut, the doors will open and festivities will begin! Sounds by Franco Music and will be accompanied by international superstar violinist Sarina Suno, will set the stage as our beautiful hostesses greet guests as they walk the red carpet. Segafredo Pembroke’s signature cocktails will be served in a production integrated with performers from NOLA -Nest of Living Arts that will continue throughout the evening.

For Lunch, Happy Hour and Evening Dining & Entertainment, the Restaurant and Bar area opens entirely to the Outdoor terrace by way of wall to wall folding storefront doors and windows.

The main floor includes a full service restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor patio seating, making our location truly unique.  The project boasts 2000 square feet of sidewalk cafe and covered terrace seating.  An authentic Italian wood fire oven is the center piece to our main dining room, adding a special complement and flavor to some of our signature dishes.

The history of Segafredo dates back over 30 years ago to its modest beginning with the Zanetti family in Bologna, Italy. Coffee merchant, Mr. Massimo Zanetti originally founded the company. With the opening of the first Segafredo café in Paris in 1988, the brand was born. Today Segafredo Zanetti Espresso continues to grow exponentially on a global scale.

For Media Inquiries & RSVP, please contact:   brian@eventvisions.com / RSVP@eventvisions.com

In Job is an international staffing firm, based in Verona Italy, with Offices in Europe, Russia, Asia and the United Sates (New York City, Houston and now Miami). In Job has a team of multi-sector industry leaders combined with executive recruiters that over the years have had incredible impact on individual careers and supporting companies in their HR needs.

After great success in the United States placing high-potential, top and middle-management executives within leading organizations, In job is pleased to announce the new branch office opening in Miami Florida.

Miami is one of the cities that leads economy within the United States, hosting more than 300 international business and headquarters of major brands, linking US business with Latin America and regularly attracting new investments. Miami has become a major center of commerce, culture and entertainment in the US.

In Job is deeply aware that, over the years, Miami has been an incredible bridge for the Italian economy to the American and Latin American markets.

The main Italian industries in Florida are: Fashion & design, food and beverages, real estate and the luxury yacht industry. The “Made in Italy” concept is commonly recognized as an excellence in these fields.

In Job Strongly believes that the NEW Miami office represents a great opportunity.